UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 AUGUST 2026

The current affairs article covers major UPSC-relevant developments in governance, science and technology, economy, culture and geography. The MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to create a uniform mining-tax framework but raises concerns over federalism and state fiscal autonomy. India’s lunar ambitions are expanding through NASA’s invitation to ISRO to participate in the Moon Base programme …

India’s Lunar Future

Source: THSubject: Science and Technology Context: At the ninth India-U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting held at ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru, NASA formally invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to participate in its permanent ‘Moon Base’ programme under the Artemis Accords framework. India’s Lunar Future About India’s Lunar Future: What It Is? India's …